Using Glass Powders for Part Sheets

More part sheets in the kiln today. I first experimented with part sheets back in February of this year. You can read about it here: Experimenting with Fused Glass Part Sheet. I used the part sheets to make some great unique pieces. I knew that this was a technique I would definitely be trying again.

I came across a set of old-fashioned looking keys in a souvenir shop while on vacation in Avignon, France. Any glass fuser will tell you that we always keep an eye out for things we can use in our glass work. I thought I might be able to use the keys as stencils for part sheets in the same way that I used the wrenches in this piece pictured above. I did some experimenting today and put a test piece in the kiln. Working with these keys reminded me of when I was a kid and played the game Operation. It was difficult to pick up the keys without disturbing the glass powder. I eventually made little tape handles to help me pick up the keys. Fingers crossed!

I learned about this technique from the Bullseye Online Education program. If you want to learn more about working with glass frits and powders check out their videos. Some are free while others are available with a paid subscription. You can learn more about it by clicking on the link below.

Thanks. For this piece I put a clear layer on the bottom and the pieces on top. The part sheets usually aren’t completely smooth. I haven’t tried it yet, but I suspect putting the part sheet on the bottom might cause some unwanted bubbles.